In this review, we will be comparing D300C and RP-500C II, two Passive Center Channel speakers from Wharfedale and Klipsch. Let's have a brief look at the main features
of Wharfedale D300C and Klipsch RP-500C II first before getting into our more
detailed comparison.
What size room are the Wharfedale D300C and Klipsch RP-500C II speakers good for?
The size of the room in which you are planning to use these loudspeakers is an important decision factor. Here we have compared their suitability to various sizes of environments considering their size and max power parameters:
In the following sections, we will get into more detail in order to better understand how the Wharfedale D300C and Klipsch RP-500C II compare and hopefully end up with enough arguments to decide which one of these loudspeakers is the better choice for you.
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Drivers
Both D300C and RP-500C II are 2-way speakers.
| Driver |
Wharfedale D300C |
Klipsch RP-500C II |
|
Driver Setup
|
2-way
|
2-way
|
|
Tweeter
|
1-inch
|
1-inch
|
|
Midrange
|
- |
- |
|
Woofer
|
2 x 5-inch
|
2 x 5.25-inch
|
D300C features a 1" Soft-Dome Tweeter and 2 x 5" Black woven Kevlar Cone Woofer . On the other hand, the RP-500C II features a 1" titanium Tractrix Horn Tweeter and 2 x 5.25" Cerametallic cone Woofer with a Crossover frequency at 1630 Hz.
Frequency Response
D300C has a frequency range of 65-20k Hz whereas RP-500C II has a frequency range of 60-25k Hz. With a minimum frequency of 60Hz, the RP-500C II can go significantly deeper on the low side and provide stronger bass compared to the D300C's min frequency of 65Hz.
Below graphs depict how these two speakers compare with the max, min and average values of the Min and Max Frequencies of other speakers in the Center Channel class in our database.
Low Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
High Frequency
Center Channel Speakers
None of these speakers achieves full range experience which is commonly agreed as 20Hz-20kHz. In order to achieve lower lows / deeper bass, we recommend you pair these with a subwoofer. Visit our Powered Subwoofers section to find out more about the available options.
Impedance and Sensitivity
D300C and RP-500C II have the same Impedance of 8 ohms but where they differ is the sensitivity levels. D300C sensitivity is rated at 89 dB and the RP-500C II's is at 96 dB. This 7 dB difference makes the Klipsch RP-500C II a more sensitive speaker compared to Wharfedale D300C, hence will play louder with the same amount of watts.
Sensitivity
Center Channel Speakers
Power Range
Power
range is the range of input power in watts RMS that a loudspeaker is designed to handle. While using an amplifier within this range ensures the nominal performance , inputting a power that is higher than the max wattage can result in a damaged speaker.
D300C can handle a max power of 120 watts RMS from the amp the whereas RP-500C II has a max power handling value of 100 watts RMS, 20 watts less than the D300C.
Keep in mind that a higher max power handling value doesn't necessarily make that a louder speaker
compared to a lower max handling speaker. Loudness or the sound level is also impacted by parameters
such as Impedance, sensitivity and system efficiencies.
Input Type and Bi-Amping / Bi-Wiring
D300C features Post posts which make bi-amping or bi-wiring possible. RP-500C II has a Binding post which doesn't feature bi-amping/bi-wiring.
Wharfedale D300C's Post terminals allows Bi-amping or bi-wiring
Cabinet Type and Port Position
D300C has a bottom firing port whereas RP-500C II has a rear firing ports. Wharfedale D300C's bottom-firing port gives more flexibility in placement in regards to proximity to walls compared to Klipsch RP-500C II with its rear-firing port.
New
Physical Specs
Size of a speaker can sometimes become an important decision factor due to space constraints or in some cases purely for esthetic reasons. In this section, we are going to compare Wharfedale D300C's and Klipsch RP-500C II's external dimensions. Wharfedale D300C has external dimensions of 190 x 510 x 232mm ( 7.8) whereas Klipsch RP-500C II has external dimensions of 177.0 x 494.0 x 269.0mm ( 6-15/16 x 19-7/16 x 10-9/16inch) .
Klipsch RP-500C II is 16mm narrower and 13mm shorter than Wharfedale D300C but it is also 37mm deeper.
Below you can see the front view size comparison of Wharfedale D300C and Klipsch RP-500C II in scale.
Comparison image of Wharfedale D300C and Klipsch RP-500C II Size and External Dimensions
Base Surface Area Comparison
Base surface area of a loudspeaker may become a determining factor when the space in your room or desk is limited.
The base surface area of the Wharfedale D300C is approximately 1183.0cm2 / 183.4inch2 and base area of the Klipsch RP-500C II is approximately 1328.9cm2 / 206.0inch2. The D300C requires 11% less surface area than the RP-500C II which gives it a small advantage on placement in tight spaces.
Weight Comparison The weight of a loudspeaker can become an important factor if you need to move and reposition the unit often. Weight of a speaker can also "sometimes" be an indicator of the rigidity of the enclosure and the quality of the internal components used. The Wharfedale D300C weighs 8.00kg / 17.6lbs and the Klipsch RP-500C II weighs 8.20kg / 18lbs. This makes the RP-500C II 2% heavier than the D300C.
Here is a comparison of how D300C and RP-500C II's weights compare with the average, max and min weights in Passive Center Channel class.
Weight
All Center Channel Speakers
What's in the Box of Klipsch RP-500C II?
Here are the items that come with the RP-500C II:
Center channel loudspeakerGrilleTilt rod (attached nut)User ManualImportant Safety InstructionsWarranty Information
 Max Input Power |
120 watts
vs
100 watts
|
Handle more power from your amplifier |
 Bi-Amping and Bi-Wiring |
Yes
vs
No
|
Allows bi-amping and bi-wiring connections |
 Base Surface Area |
1183cm2 (510x232mm)
vs
1328cm2 (494x269mm)
|
Takes less floor space |
 Price per pair* |
179USD
vs
499USD
|
costs less (*prices may change depending on the seller, location and time) |
 Sensitivity |
96 dB
vs
89 dB
|
Play louder with same amount of amplification power |
 Woofer Size |
5.25 inches
vs
5 inches
|
Larger woofer |
| Low Frequency Response |
60 Hz
vs
65 Hz
|
Generates deeper bass |
 High Frequency Response |
25k Hz
vs
20k Hz
|
Generates higher frequency |
 Height |
177mm
vs
190mm
|
Easier to fit in smaller spaces |
| General |
Wharfedale D300C |
Klipsch Reference Premiere RP-500C II |
| Brand |
Wharfedale |
Klipsch |
| Speaker Type |
Center channel speaker |
Center channel speaker |
| Power Range |
25-120 watts |
up to 100 watts |
| Sensitivity |
89 dB |
96 dB |
| Impedance |
8 ohms |
8 ohms |
| Impedance |
3.8 ohms |
n/a |
| Frequency Response |
65-20k Hz |
60-25k Hz |
Drivers |
|
|
| Woofer Quantity |
2 |
2 |
| Woofer Size |
5" |
5.25" |
| Woofer Composition |
Black woven Kevlar Cone |
Cerametallic cone |
| Woofer Surround Material |
Foamed Polyether |
Rubber |
| Tweeter Size |
1" |
1" |
| Tweeter Type |
Soft-Dome |
Tractrix Horn |
| Aimable Tweeter |
No |
No |
| Midrange Driver |
No |
No |
| Crossover Frequency |
n/a |
1630 Hz |
| Firing Direction |
bottom |
rear |
Physical Specs |
|
|
| Height |
190.0mm (7.5") |
177.0mm (7") |
| Width |
510.0mm (20.1") |
494.0mm (19.4") |
| Depth |
232.0mm (9.1") |
269.0mm (10.6") |
| Weight |
8.00kg (17.6lbs) |
8.20kg (18lbs) |
| Enclosure |
Bass Reflex |
Bass Reflex |
| Finish |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
MDF/Wood-grain vinyl |
| Available Colors |
Rosewood, Black, White, Walnut |
Walnut, Black |
| Grille |
Yes |
Yes |
| Moisture Resistancy |
No |
No |
Connections |
|
|
| Biamp Inputs |
Yes |
No |
Other |
|
|
| Parts Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |
| Labor Warranty |
5 Years |
5 Years |